Legislative Issues

Transparency

A cornerstone of citizen participation is the principle of transparency, which provides the public with access to government decisions, deliberations, and information. Texas counties are committed to this principle. In fact, as a matter of law, county governments must abide by open meetings and public information laws.

County government works to promote and achieve this transparency every day. While state legislative efforts to improve transparency are often well-intentioned, they do not always reflect the capabilities and needs of local communities.

TALKING POINTS

Texas counties are committed to transparency and providing the public with access to government decisions, deliberations, and information.

County governments must abide by the state’s open meetings and public information laws.

County governments abide by strict transparent procedures set by statute when setting tax rates, including requirements that they hold certain hearings, utilize specific language and draft and post certain notices.

Counties often create transparency measures beyond state requirements based on local community needs.

Many changes proposed in recent legislative sessions would have a limited effect on transparency, while adding an undue burden on local entities.County officials and state officials should work together to ensure that any proposed statewide policy does not deter real improvement in transparency